Author: IGIHE

Bishop Rucyahana John, NURC President explained that the partnership with GFI will serve as a channel to spread ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ which is considered as a tool to sustain cohesion among Rwandans.

In 2013, ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ was initiated to build a national identity based on trust and dignity. It aims to strengthen unity and reconciliation among Rwandans by providing a forum for people to talk about the causes and consequences of the genocide as well as what it means to be Rwandan.

“The partnership with GFI will allow us to inculcate to the Rwandan diaspora living in Zambia, the values of unity and reconciliation which have been a core pillar to the reconstruction of our country after the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.”

Although the partnership will not contribute to bringing to justice, genocide fugitives and deniers hiding in Zambia, teachings that will be given are expected to drive the Rwandan diaspora in Zambia to denounce ‘génocidaires’.

Rucyahana said that some Rwandans living in the diaspora don’t know anything about the history of the genocide and hence don’t understand the gravity of genocide crimes.

“genocide implies devastating consequences including inter-generational trauma, children made orphans, families eroded by poverty and so on. We expect the teachings that will be spread to bring to light the truth about genocide and its effects and hopefully also reveal genocide perpetrators who are still hiding from justice in foreign countries.”

The partnership will be a compliment to Rwanda-based Prison Fellowship which was founded in 1995. Prison Fellowship focuses on instilling action-based practical reconciliation among Rwandans directly or indirectly affected by the 1994 genocide against Tutsi as well as other crimes.

Currently, the organization is making gap-filling interventions in the justice system which is very fundamental to enhance forgiveness and reconciliation among the affected communities.

GFI teachings are expected to also lead genocide perpetrators to come forth, admit their crimes and accepted to face justice for their acts. “If genocide convicts in Rwanda are capable of admitting their crimes after years of denial, we expect the same result in Zambia as well.”

Dr. Joshua H.K Banda, GFI Managing Director said that even though GFI won’t arrest genocide perpetrators, teaching the truth about the genocide is a contribution to bringing genocide criminals to justice.

So far, 8 genocide criminals were brought to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) with the collaboration of Zambia.

GFI is the first organization to partner with NURC in teaching the history of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. Since its creation, five years ago, it has contributed to spreading values of unity and reconciliation in Zambia as a nation that has suffered from years of ethnic tensions.

In the past, Rwanda and Zambia have partnered in different projects including trade, investment, mining and tourism.

On March 27th, 2015, RwandAir, the flag carrier airline of Rwanda launched Kigali-Lusaka flights going 6 flights per week.

HWPL stated that peace education is to nurture human resources with the values of peace and spirit, which has been developed at the core with values such as “the dignity of life”, “loyalty” and “coexistence and sustainability.”

Furthermore, with the aim of applying these values within a wider community as well as individuals, help individuals to awaken the spirit of peace and play a pioneering role in establishing a peace culture.

Peace education, supported by HWPL, was conducted at schools in Burundi last year.

At this seminar, the participants shared the results of peace education in 2019 and discussed the plan for further process for this year.

In particular, practical measures for the implementation of international law for peace based on the DPCW that addressed the importance of a culture of peace through peace education were also discussed.

Hatungimana Liévain, a teacher of Leoboth School, said, “Thank you for the active cooperation of HWPL for the seminar. It was a good time to learn the spirit and attitude of peace education instructors working for peace. I believe that the HWPL peace education instructors will change students into people who have a good influence on friends, family, neighbors, countries, and all over the world.”

President Kagame said that the government of Rwanda has put forth a conducive environment for investment and is currently ranked second on the continent in doing business.

“We have made efforts in attracting investors and the World Bank has ranked Rwanda in the top African countries with the most favorable trade environment.”

Rwanda is also ranked 29th on the World Bank list of countries with a favorable investment climate. This has helped Rwanda to fully harness its economic potential and maximize the benefits of private investment.

President Kagame said that the future promises growth in Intra-African trade by 50% and that is set to establish a competitive market favorable for enhancing market competition and stimulating investment for business-led growth.

“AfCFTA has become a reality and that implies strong political will and supports the dream of a united Africa.”

During the summit, Rwanda listed its first local currency bond on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) worth $40 million.

Different institutions from Rwanda attended the summit including Bank of Kigali, Enterprise Urwibutso, Mara Phones, Rwanda Finance Ltd, Ampersand, Cogebanque, Africa Improved Foods, and Water Access Rwanda.

What to expect with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
A World Bank report released in December 2019 on the AfCFTA showed that the common market would benefit the African continent in different ways.

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement which was signed by 44 African countries on March 21st, 2018 in Kigali shows that a single market for goods and services across Africa will lead to poverty reduction. At least 30 million Africans (1.5% of Africans) will rise above the poverty line.

The report shows that 12 million people in West Africa, 9.3 million in Central Africa and 4.8 million in East Africa will rise above the poverty line. The AfCFTA has the potential of lifting 67.9 million Africans (3.6% of Africans) to middle income status by 2035. That is a $5.50 income per day.

The World Bank currently reports that 415 million Africans live in extreme poverty, earning only $1.90 per day.

The AfCFTA will connect 1.3 billion African citizens from 54 countries and is expected to generate $3.4 trillion annually.

The Continental Free Trade Area was established in the capital of Niger, Niamey and will start operating on July 1st, 2020. This trade bloc will improve Intra-African trade and definitely solve the problem of food import in Africa.

Although the topic of the discussion was not announced, it would not be a faux pas saying that the discussion is a promise for better diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and Rwanda.

Rwanda having talks with British high officials is not a surprise as it happens a few months before the Commonwealth Heads of States Meeting (CHOGM) which will be held in Kigali starting June 22nd, 2020.

Apart from that, the UK has partnered with Rwanda in various development projects in the past including mining while Rwanda exports agricultural products including tea, coffee, vegetables and fruits to the UK.

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis is a member of the British Royalty and the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. He previously met with President Kagame in July 2019 where they agreed about the venue of CHOGM and Prince William promised he would attend the meeting.

All the talks are proof that the UK-Rwanda relations will only get better and it is supported by Ambassador Lomas recent remarks where he said that the Brexit would not in any way affect the relations between Rwanda and the UK but will rather promote them as the UK will be able to negotiate its own trade terms after the Brexit.

It was reiterated by John Rwangombwa, governor of the National Bank of Rwanda as Rwanda listed its first local currency bond on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) worth $40 million during the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020.

In 2011, the UK offered a grant worth €330 million (Rwf 317 billion) for 4 consecutive years. The grant was directed towards education, health, agriculture and improving the livelihoods of Rwandans.

In 2014, the UK offered another grant to Rwanda worth €330 to equally last for 4 years. In 2017, Rwanda and the U signed partnership agreements granting €64 million (Rwf 69 billion) for the 2017/18 National Budget and €62 million (Rwf 67 billion) for the 2018/19 National Budget.

Many institutions from the UK have invested in Rwanda including Unilever which signed a $30 million worth partnership agreement with the Government of Rwanda in 2016. The investment will allow Unilever to manage its industries and tea plantations located in Nyaruguru district, Kibeho and Munini sectors.

In 2015, Piran Resources Ltd invested $22 million in precious stones mining. BBOX has invested in providing off-grid electricity to Rwandan citizens through solar energy and Metalysis UK has recently announced a $16 million investment in Tin Ore mining in Bugesera district.

Prince William also held discussions with other African Heads of States including President Nana Akufo Addo of Ghana.

The UK-Africa Investment Summit happens a few weeks after Prince Harry and Princess Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were resigning from royal duties and titles hence leaving Kate and Prince William with more responsibilities including the joint charity they managed together.

Taking place for its 13th time and attended by different Rwandan tourism companies, the fair hosted different activities to raise awareness about Rwanda.

Present were the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), RwandAir, the Rwandan embassy in the Netherlands, such tourism companies as Amahoro Tours, Palast Tours, and Travel, Heritage Safaris, and Wildlife Tours-Rwanda.

The Rwanda Tourism Chamber Chairperson at the Private Sector Federation, Aimable Rutagarama told IGIHE that attending the fair is another way of boosting the number of tourists visiting Rwanda.

“We really thank the government of Rwanda for the way it keeps supporting the development of tourism and those who coordinate it.”

He added, “compared to some years ago, tourism [in Rwanda] has made a huge step. Even us the private sector, we must put in our effort, not leave it for only the government, by increasing the number of tourism companies, hotels, and other facilities that go with hospitality.”

Those who represented the Rwandan tourism sector shared experiences with their fellow tourism sectors in the Netherlands and opportunities in Rwandan tourism industry and how they can explore them.

Among the authorities present were the ambassador of Rwanda in the Netherlands Jean Pierre Karabaranga, the head of tourism marketing in RDB Linda Mutesi, and the ecotourism analyst of RDB Ildephonse Kambogo.

Vakantiebeurs is considered a great opportunity for the Rwandan tourism industry to grow through partnerships with the Netherlands and other important markets available.

The leader of Visit Rwanda in the Netherlands, Harry Betist, said, “It is a good opportunity to meet our stakeholders celebrate what we accomplished so far, and look at how to keep the momentum.”

The Netherlands is among the first eight first countries with the highest number of tourists visiting Rwanda.

The number of tourists from 2017 to 2018 increased by 11.9%, from 4,918 to 5,501 respectively.

One of the residents raised his concern after his home was looted, his clothes stolen and the next day he caught one of the patrollers wearing the same clothes that were stolen. He then proceeded to gently ask for the night patroller to hand back his clothes but the patroller refused. He instead took a pellet of Marijuana, placed it in the villager’s pocket and took him to the station saying he was caught in possession of drugs.

Luckily, neighbors of the victim witnessed the scene and defended him as he was being held at Rwezamenyo Police Station. Uwase Hadidja who witnessed the incident told the police that the coat the night patroller was caught wearing was indeed his neighbors’ and that the night patroller should have responded to it.

In Ntwari Village, Rwezamenyo sector particularly, the night patrollers have been accused of being behind robberies countless times. Biziyaremye Olivier begged the authorities to train the night patrollers on a specific code of ethics to observe while they are on duty.

“The authorities should first make a background check on who they are hiring as a night patroller because in most of the cases, they hire people with questionable reputation and enable more robberies.”

Kabiligi Yusuf, head of the night patrolling team in Nyarugenge district told IGIHE that the suspected patroller was immediately arrested.

“We established the night patrol team to solve the problem of rampant crime but due to unsatisfying reports where patrollers were accused to steal citizens, we are planning training on the code of conduct they need to observe while on duty.”

Uwamwiza Chantal, the Executive Secretary of Rwezamenyo sector said the trainings for night patrollers will begin this year.

“We plan on addressing the problem of petty crimes and robberies as soon as possible through effective training of night patrollers and encouraging citizens to participate in crime-solving.”

Rwezamenyo and Nyamirambo residents suggest that training night patrollers is the fastest way to restore public order.

Statistics published on January 14th, 2020 show that in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2336 people died of Ebola from 2000 recorded death in September 2019 while the total number of infected people were 3288 in 2018.

Last year, it was reported that the Ebola Virus had struck again in the North Kivu and Ituri region as well as near west borders between Rwanda and DRC. The alarming reports urged the Ministry of Health to adopt measures to curb the epidemics before it reached Rwanda.

Travelers showing signs of the virus were placed in quarantine as they waited for ambulances from Rubavu and Rusizi district and the Ministry of Health sensitized the public on how to prevent the disease.

Quarantine rooms were built near thermal imaging cameras which can identify infected people by their body temperature. The thermal imaging cameras send an alert only for people with 38 Celsius degrees. The normal body temperature for a human being should be between 36 and 37 Celsius degrees.

On December 8th, 2019, the Ministry of Health launched Umurinzi Ebola voluntary vaccination campaign at la Grande Barrière in Rubavu District with the aim of providing vaccines to at least 200,000 Rwandan citizens who frequently trade with DRC.

However, pregnant women and children below 2 years of age were not eligible for receiving the Ebola vaccine.

At least 3000 Rwandan citizens were vaccinated at the beginning of the campaign last year. 336 people who frequently travel to the DRC are vaccinated on a daily basis.

Gisenyi Hospital Director, Lt Col Dr. William Kanyankore said that the vaccines are voluntary and that the campaign targets mainly residents who frequently cross to DRC as they are the most exposed to the epidemics.

UMURINZI Ebola Vaccine Program campaign is implemented by the Ministry of Health local partners such as Project San Francisco, Rinda Ubuzima and LEAF Rwanda. The Ebola Vaccine was tested and approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

People who receive the vaccine are required to lie down for at least 15 minutes as doctors examine possible side effects.

One of the institutions qualified for treating Ebola patients is Gisenyi Hospital located in Rubavu district. Ebola patients are transported to Gisenyi hospital in an ambulance and have no direct contact with a doctor until they reach the hospital’s premises. They are assigned to quarantine rooms just so they do not contaminate other patients in the hospital.

When Ebola patients are not too weak to walk, they are welcomed by two doctors wearing protective apparel. In the opposite case, the patients are welcomed by four doctors equally wearing protective apparel to avoid any contact with the patient.

After the patient is evacuated, the ambulance is cleaned using a 0.5 dose of Chlorine which is used as an antiseptic to prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

Cleaning and decontamination are also mandatory for doctors who treat Ebola patients.
The protective apparel is only designed to be worn for no more than 50 minutes as they only let a small quantity of air inside.

Patients who are in recovery are taken to a separate room for further treatment. Those who unfortunately die due to the disease remain in quarantine since dead bodies of Ebola victims are highly infectious.

Since the outbreak of Ebola in the DRC last year, $17 million have been invested to stop the spread of the epidemics and establishing preventive measures to treat patients.

Despite all the aforementioned measures, universal precautions for prevention, surveillance, diagnosis and early treatment remain relevant.

The duo was arrested Friday in Nzove Cell, Kanyinya Sector of Nyarugenge District with 10kgs of cannabis.

They were at the time transporting the narcotics on a motorcycle registration number RE 698A, which was also impounded.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali said that the targeted operation was conducted as a response to credible information on their “criminal dealings and their whereabouts.”

“A former drug dealer, recently, told the Police about these suspects’ supply chains. This brave act by someone who decided to take the right direction helped ANU to track and intercept Rurangirwa and Sinzukwigena in Kanyinya transporting 10kgs of cannabis,” said CIP Umutesi.

She thanked the informer for “taking the right direction and decision to report the colleagues, who vehemently refused to deal in legal business and continued to poison the young generation.”

“Due to continuous awareness, some drug dealers have refrained from these criminal acts and decided to support Police and national efforts in breaking supply chains.”

CIP Umutesi noted that trafficking and use of narcotic drugs in Rwanda remain a major concern affecting various sectors of development like security, youth development, education and health, among others.

“Combating the vice of narcotic drugs is by law, therefore, a national policy and everyone’s responsibility,” she said.

“We are focusing on working with the community to stop the dealing and consumption of drugs. We encourage people to report when they see suspicious people, who may be involved in drug trafficking and abuse,” she reiterated.

The penal code, in its article 263, provides punitive penalties in relation to drug related crimes

Any person who, in any way, eats, drinks, injects himself/herself, inhales or one who anoints oneself with psychotropic substances, commits an offence, with an imprisonment ranging between one and two years, or subject to a penalty of community service.

Any person who, unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine between Rwf15 million and Rwf30 million.

21 African countries have attended the summit. 16 African countries are represented by their Heads of States including President Paul Kagame, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alpha Condé of Guinea and Peter Mutharika of Malawi. Liz Truss, UK Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade is also expected.

During the summit, the World Bank and Rwanda will sell to the London Stock Exchange, a 3-year denominated bond with a value of $40 million.

Different institutions from Rwanda are also expected in the summit including Bank of Kigali, Entreprise Urwibutso, Mara Phones, Rwanda Finance Ltd, Ampersand, Cogebanque, Africa Improved Foods, and Water Access Rwanda.

The summit will focus on renewable energy, housing and technology and further exploring trade opportunities between the UK and African countries.

Jo Lomas, the British High Commissioner to Rwanda recently announced that the UK will decisively sail free from the European Union on January 31st, 2020, a few days after Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party and Leave supporters voted in majority to leave the EU.

Ambassador Lomas said that the Brexit would not in any way affect the relations between Rwanda and the UK but will rather promote them as the UK will be able to negotiate its own trade terms after the Brexit.

“Since the UK will be able to negotiate its own trade terms, we expect our relations with Rwanda to flourish and that Rwanda will no longer incur the same export taxes as when the UK was part of the EU.”

The UK is one of the top countries where Rwanda exports its products. In the third quarter of 2019, UK was third on the list of countries receiving the most exports from Rwanda with 10.71% of all its exports earning $13.02 million.

The United Arab Emirates and the Democratic Republic of Congo were ranked first and second respectively. Rwanda mainly exports agricultural products including tea, coffee, vegetables, and fruits.

The UK has partnered in Rwanda in various development projects in the past. In 2011, the UK offered a grant worth €330 million (Rwf 317 billion) for 4 consecutive years. The grant was directed towards education, health, agriculture and improving the livelihoods of Rwandans.

In 2014, the UK offered another grant to Rwanda worth €330 to equally last for 4 years. In 2017, Rwanda and the U signed partnership agreements granting €64 million (Rwf 69 billion) for 2017/18 National Budget and €62 million (Rwf 67 billion) for 2018/19 National Budget.

Many institutions from the UK have invested in Rwanda including Unilever which signed a $30 million worth partnership agreement with the Government of Rwanda in 2016. The investment will allow Unilever to manage its industries and tea plantations located in Nyaruguru district, Kibeho and Munini sectors.

In 2015, Piran Resources Ltd invested $22 million in precious stones mining. BBOX has invested in providing off-grid electricity to Rwandan citizens through solar energy and Metalysis UK has recently announced a $16 million investment in Tin Ore mining in Bugesera district.

In the past, UK led international efforts to deal with poverty and debt in Africa and to train AU peacekeepers, and also shaped EU policies on development, security, immigration and human rights. The UK-Africa Investment Summit will discuss a change of emphasis from aid to trade.

Customers who made individual transactions between 1st and 31st December 2019 at any of the five Unimoni branches in Rwanda were automatically eligible for the “Transact & Win” campaign.

The winners were randomly selected by draw on 10th January 2020 and included Rwandans, an Indian and a Canadian.

The ten lucky winners who were felicitated are Alianne Mukamuhutu, Barik Santosh Kumar, Bukuru Jean De Dieu, Gashabizi Charles, Jacques Cherrie Lyn, Munyakaragwe Emmanuel, Ngoboka Ronald, Niyishobora Faustin, Sibomana Dichard and Sugira Cyubahiro.

Peeush Pillai, Managing Director and Country Head of Unimoni Rwanda, said, “Along with providing convenient and cost-effective financial services like money transfer, foreign exchange, and payments, we constantly look for ways to add value to our customers’ transactions and make a difference in their lives. Our campaigns, such as this, are just one of the ways we thank and reward our valued customers. We extend our congratulations to the winners and would like to thank all our customers, without whom we would not have been able to deliver this successful campaign.”

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